"If Dr. Brian G. Snow's purpose for writing Santa Claus and Little Sister was to make his readers feel like crying and rushing out to do good in the world at the same time, he certainly achieved his goal." - Flamingnet.com

"[This book] is autobiographical in nature, selfishly therapeutic in design, and hard proof that we cannot control our future regardless how hard we try.  He discovers that truth often becomes lies, moral transforms into immoral, and fear builds knowledge."
Galleycat  (Mediabistro) - Jan. 12, 2012

"The highly well-written text conveys Dr. Snow's often self-endangering activities as he involves himself in the lives of his students to protect them as well as ensure them a good education....this wonderful memoir of a truly gifted special education teacher."  Alice D. -  Readers' Favorite - Top Choice Award 2012

"Wow, I don't even know what to write, an amazing read for everyone! Very great ... hard to put down book!!" -  Goodreads Sept. 16th, 2012

 

 

"This story was full of surprises.... It's a modern day story, very real feeling and funny, too. - Expert Amazon Breakthrough Novel Reviewer 2012

"This is a quick read and feels like a memoir/biography. Very entertaining and interesting....I liked the story.." - Expert Amazon Breakthrough Novel Reviewer 2012

 

"Wow this book was so moving. I am so happy I read it. I hate what happened to those girls and I was so sad that Lupe took her life. I am glad that everything worked out for Brian and Maria. Its a beautiful tragic story."

Amanda - Goodreads

 

"Powerful, true, dark and yet inspiring. This is an important read. Can't wait for the edited version!"

Beth - Goodreads

 

Dec 27, 2012

Nikki rated it

Shelves: first-reads

I got this for free through a first reads giveaway. I really liked it! I was sooo shocked at the end and was soo sad. :( This book gets better and better as you read. I think it was well written and that you could feel what the characters were feeling. This is so raw and honest about the lives of people we dont really think about. The only thing i dont like is how in the begining it was a little overly detailed. Other than that awesome book.





"Highly Recommend! This is a wonderfully uplifting book that shows the old addage "you can't judge a book by it's cover" is true. The characters seem 'real' and not flat. Real people living real life. Sometimes a life is not so pretty, but the love and caring always shines through. I'd highly recommend this book to older teens, (who tend to judge others too quickly.), as it may teach them a lesson in humility."

 

 

*****

"Inspirational and captivating - highly recommendedI found this extraordinary story inspirational and absorbing. The author tactfully incorporates the serious and unfortunately current subject matter of teenage suicide in a compelling and heartfelt story. I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering for the unlikely group of misfit heroes. I hope they turn this book into a movie. I highly recommend it!"

 

****

 

"Wow, this story just grabs you! Heart and mind! It begins so innocent and pastoral and before you know it you're headlong into the frightening and troubled world of young girls on the streets of LA. Such an important work. Everyone must read!"

 

-Barnes & Noble Reviews

 



 

 Reviewed by Alice D. for Readers Favorite In 1991,author Brian
Reviewed by Alice D. for Readers Favorite

"In 1991,author Brian Snow had just received his doctorate in Education from Georgetown university. He decided to move from his parents' comfortable home on Cape Cod to Los Angeles as he loved working with special education students and wanted to live his life on his own. He is rescued from a rather dismal West Los Angeles hotel by his new landlord, Walt who cross dresses as Wendy and becomes Brian Snow's savior. Brian accepts a teaching position at "New Beginnings-The Academy for Girls", a locked facility for girls who are wards of the courts as many have been physically and mentally abused, raped, neglected or abandoned by their families. Because Brian Snow had worked with children living in dangerous conditions, Elizabeth Stelle, the school director, tells Brian that he is considered a natural for this position where he will serve as a male role model for his students. And then Dr. Brian Snow meets his students, especially Lupe, who at the age of 12 has had a death contract taken out on her by her own family. And then there is 200 pound Chata who is known to be obnoxious, loud, opinionated, manipulative, untrustworthy and still an active gang member. Will Dr. Snow survive all this and come to love his students, or will he quit and run like many other teachers at New Beginnings?

"Santa Claus and Little Sister" takes its title from a sad poem found in Lupe's papers. In this memoir where Dr. Snow had to change the names of his pupils due to regulations of the Los Angeles Department of Child Protection, the reader will be shaken to the core to learn of the horrors in the prior lives of the students of New Beginnings. The highly well-written text conveys Dr. Snow's often self-endangering activities as he involves himself in the lives of his students to protect them as well as ensure them a good education. Characters such as Walt/Wendy, Elizabeth Steele, Barbara, and classroom aide Tessie are three-dimensional and totally believable, even lovable. The bibliography at the book's conclusion shows the author's credibility but the lack of page numbering is a sad drawback to this wonderful memoir of a truly gifted special education teacher."